Five boroughs, one grid, and a subway that runs all night. More museums, food and evening than anyone can get through, which is rather the point of going.
Free things to do
Free
Staten Island Ferry
The Statue of Liberty cruise that costs nothing, forever.
Free
High Line + Chelsea Market
Enter at Gansevoort, eat at the end.
Free
Brooklyn Bridge at dawn → Dumbo breakfast
7am beats the crowds; bagels on the other side.
Where to stay
from $122
HI New York City
Dorm bed · per night · Upper West Side landmark building, big courtyard.
from $109
Chelsea International Hostel
Dorm bed · per night
from $201
The Nolita Express Hostel
Private room · per night · The Nolita Express is a historic social hostel designed and inspired by the roaring 20's and the surrounding neighborhood of Nolita.
from $237
American Dream Hostel
Private room · per night · American Dream Bed and Breakfast is a family owned business that has been home for travellers here in New York for the past 15 years.
Trips that take it in
North America · 11 days · 4 nights in New York
The Northeast Corridor
Boston → New York → Washington DC
$1,019
plus flights · Dec 2026 dates